Stem Mount Photocells

Stem Mount Photocells

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Why Your Should Point Light Sensors North

If you’re in the northern hemisphere, a north-facing photocell gives the most balance for when the light controlled by the light sensor turns on and off. Assuming that the sensor has an unblocked view in all directions, the lights connected to an east-facing sensor will turn on and off a little early. Conversely, lights connected to a west-facing sensor will turn on and off a little late. Stem mount photocells allow you to mount the light sensor remotely rather than pointing it at the ground, as is one of the recommended installations for south-facing walls. With stem mount photocells, you can control lights on the south side of the building with a north-facing sensor. Pointing the photocell south (for applications in the northern hemisphere), exposes the sensor to direct sunlight, which can burn out the components and cause premature failure.

LED wall packs and LED security lights require an LED compatible light sensor. While a conventional light sensor may operate the LED light fixture at first, the light and the sensor will operate on different voltages, eventually burning out the sensor. This will most commonly result in the light being left on during the day because the sensor won’t tell it to turn off. This is also why it’s important to know the line voltage for the sensor and the light fixture, and match them up accordingly.